The Camelbak Octane 22l is marketed as a ‘hiking’ pack so as a runner, I became excited to test the boundaries of this pack.
I would describe the Camelback Octane 22L as a hiking-meets-running kind of pack. One that is pretty much spot on for those multi-day running or fast-pack hiking adventures. A little too big and bulky for a long run in the Peak District but a little too small and flexible for a big adventure hike with substantial camping gear. However, perfect for everything in between. I used it for my 20 mile run commute home from work through the Peak District where I needed to carry a little extra.
What they say
- 3D Vent Mesh: Ridged EVA foam with molded air channels accompanied by an overlay of lightweight recycled triangle wall mesh will keep your back cool by enabling optimal airflow
- Dual Adjust Sternum Strap: Easily adjustable straps give you a custom, comfortable, and secure fit for the journey ahead
- Command Centre Harness: Easy and secure access to phone, keys, fuel, hydration, and any other essentials
- Fuel and Gear Storage: Spacious main compartment with lots of interior organization, designed to house all of your gear, hydration, and essentials
- Reflectivity: Various points of high reflectivity, ensuring you’ll stay visible and safe
- Dual Tube Trap: Keeps your tube secure and accessible when you need it. The dual tube traps easily lock in the hydration hose
- Safety Whistle: There for any emergency need. Helping you stay safe on your adventure
- Stretch Overflow Pocket: Secure outer pocket for any last minute extras, like a rain jacket, shoes, and more
- Trekking Pole Attachment: Easily attach and remove poles when needed
- Full Zip Opening: Allows you to pack from the front, making organization and storage easy
- Rain Cover: High visibility cover shields your pack and gear from the elements
- Ventilated Hip Belt with Cargo: The inner belt transfers weight to hips, while the outer belt compresses cargo and offers additional storage. While the ventilation provides increased airflow
Size & Capacity
With its multitude of compartments and pockets, the Camelback Octane 22l is a great pack for the disorganised and chaotic type like me, that often loses time digging through dry bags and losing that often-needed waterproof jacket to the bottom of my bag. When I need to carry more than just water and the basics, I often get overwhelmed by where to store things and what should go at the bottom vs top, so I found this pack really does take the thinking out of it for me.
The 22L capacity refers to the internal capacity of the bag. It could certainly hold a lot more via the stretchy external pockets and zippers. I haven’t tried but I’m certain you could fit a small one-man tent or hooped bivi in the stretchy external pocket. You can also fit 2 x 500ml soft flasks in the chest pockets, with or without extended straws, as well as snack pockets, a pocket for your phone, and a tiny pocket for your key.
The main pack has two main compartments, one for the hydration bladder (included) and the other is the main compartment of the bag. The main compartment of the pack hosts ample space to throw in a spare jacket or a dry bag but also has 6 mini pockets making for some good organisation.
I used one pocket for my gels and bars, one for my emergency bivi, one for my buff, and so on. These mini pockets are great for keeping everything organised and accessible whilst not having them bouncing around whilst you’re on the move. I should also mention that the main pack compartment opens like a holdall giving you the option to just pop the zip at the top and grab what you need on the move, or you can lay it down on a rock and open it like a holdall to have access to everything without having to unpack and reload.
Having not used a Camelbak pack before, I was unsure on what the ‘one size’ fit would be like, but the two chest buckles and a hip buckle meant I was able to adjust the straps to fit my chest size. The back panel of the pack is made of foam and topped with a mesh layer, making it extremely breathable. Because of the materials used, it’s also very flexible meaning that when I pulled the straps tight, it molded to fit my back just nicely. The only downside to the multitude of strap options is that there isn’t anywhere to tuck the ends into, so they do flap around a little when running.
Unlike a running pack, this pack has a hip belt meaning that when packing heavy, it really does take some of the load away from your back. The hip belt is made from fabric and mesh making it not very structured or rigid. Because of this it does move around a little, but I think filling the small zip pockets would perhaps fix this.
Other Features
Some other great features are the straps for carrying trekking poles and ice axe loops on the bottom. I haven’t tried these yet, but I know they will certainly come useful in the winter. There is also a waterproof rain cover stored away in the bottom of the pack. Again, I didn’t need to use this but it’s very handy to know that it’s there.
In November, I am completing the 290 mile Peak District Boundary. I will be running this over 5 days but without the need to carry camping equipment. The Camelback Octane 22L will therefore be my travel companion of choice due to its comfort, storage options, convenient access, and fit.
